Fundraising Committee

Fundraising Chairwoman

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Joanne Brown is a retired educator in the Orange, New Jersey School District, and still working as a substitute teacher. Talents are creative writing, making gift baskets, and ministering to those in need.

"I joined L-Train to help my granddaughter in honoring the memory of her father and says "It is a honor and privilege to serve with L-Train."

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Fundraising Co-Chairwoman​​

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Sharanda Bennett is an 

Assistant Administrator of Family Services for Essex County Division of Family Assistance and Benefits. She is an avid bowler and loves planning events. 

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"L-Train chose me. However the saying goes “ If I can help somebody then my living shall not be in vain” My sheer commitment is to assist young people to become the best version of themselves at the same time they contribute in aiding me to become the best version of myself. “ It’s all about the Youth “.

Secretary 

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Mary Johnson is a  retired Educator of 37 years with the Orange Board of Education in the City of Orange, New Jersey. An advocate for children always trying to help them to become the best version of themselves. She is an advisor , reader, gopher and a dependable helper.

"This organization was started by a young family member and the starting motto resonated with me, "All About the Youth"​​​

Sponsorship Co-Chairwoman

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 Kim Winslow is an Educator in the Orange Public School District. Throughout her career she has worked in Education and Youth Development Programs serving in various roles including Program Director, teacher, mentor and overseer of grant funded programs.

She enjoys the theater, concerts and live jazz shows.

Her passion for helping children grow and develop into successful adults lead her to join the L-Train family mission.

"I am committed to working with our youth to give them the tools, skills and opportunities that will lead them to fuel their passion and take steps to make their dreams a reality."

Sponsorship Co-Chairwoman

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Jada Boykin is a Middle School Assistant Principal in Westfield with over 20 years of experience in education

She is a great mentor, motivator and advocate for students. Her talent is roller skating.

"I chose L-Train because the organization spoke what one of the most important things to me children/students. Ensuring they are afforded the best resources and opportunities to be successful and fulfill their goals."

Silent Auction Chairwoman

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Martha Rooks is Senior Customer Representative for Delta Dental of NJ for  over 35 years. She loves to sing and serve others.

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"I chose to be a part of L-Train because not everyone can afford an education. To be honest with you, my mother was a divorced parent of 8 and I am the youngest. When it was time for me to go to school, I knew she couldn't afford it. While L-Train may not be giving away $50,000.00 scholarships every little bit count, and I want to be a part of making someone's life a little easier. I feel like the L-Train family helps me to accomplish this."

Journal AD Chairwoman

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​Marcella Booker-Tannis describes herself as  a flashing yellow light! She supports 3rd - 6th grade students as a part-time paraprofessional. Her special skills are scrapbooking, sewing and quilting. She joined L-Train because L-Train provides a variety of much needed resources to those in need.

"My thought is, that if I can help somebody in some small way, then I’m fulfilling my civic duty. Also, at the same time I’m learning something new."

Committee Member

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Tyesha is a Middle School Language Arts teacher for Newark Public Schools and she loves to dance.

 

"Joining LTrain was an opportunity to get out of my shell and work with like minded people to better the community. ​​"​

Committee Member

Edward Rooks is a shipping and receiving coordinator for Mays Chemical.

One of his talents is playing multiple musical instruments and his special skill is loving the unlovable and reaching the unreachable.

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"I chose L-Train to use my gifts because L-Train is geared toward reaching the community and young people.

It's an opportunity to be to others what I received and to be to others what I wish I had."

Committee Member